Description
These Easy Homemade Cinnamon Twists are a delightful pastry treat featuring flaky puff pastry twisted with a cinnamon sugar filling, baked to golden perfection and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, they combine the buttery richness of puff pastry with warm cinnamon spice and a luscious drizzle for an irresistible sweet bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry and Cinnamon Sugar
- 1 package (17.3 oz) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This preparation prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until fully combined to achieve a balanced sweet and spicy mix.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Remove the thawed puff pastry from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before handling so it becomes cold but pliable. Unfold it on a lightly floured surface and gently roll it with a rolling pin to create an even rectangle, smoothing out creases.
- Coat with Butter and Sugar: Using a pastry brush, evenly coat the entire puff pastry surface with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered pastry, then press it gently with the back of a spoon to help it stick well.
- Cut and Twist: Cut the pastry into about 12 strips, approximately 1 inch wide each, using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Hold each strip at both ends and twist 4-5 times with the cinnamon sugar side facing inward. Imperfect twists are ideal as they look charming and hold their shape well during baking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the twisted strips on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Brush them with any remaining melted butter and sprinkle leftover cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the twists are golden brown, puffed, and sound hollow when tapped lightly, indicating they are perfectly cooked.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cinnamon twists for added sweetness and a luscious finish.
Notes
- For best results, ensure puff pastry is thawed but still cold before rolling out to prevent it from becoming too soft and sticky.
- You can adjust the cinnamon sugar quantity to be more or less sweet and spicy depending on personal preference.
- If desired, add chopped nuts or raisins in the cinnamon sugar layer before twisting for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore flakiness.
- Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter for clean, even strips to help maintain shape while twisting.
